Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with my all-time Fave Birria Tacos recipe! Picture tender, shredded beef, oozing with cheese, and crisped to perfection—these are hands down the best homemade tacos you’ll ever sink your teeth into. We’re talking about braising a rich birria de rez, crafting a flavorsome consomé, and frying up tacos with luscious Oaxacan cheese. Get ready for taco perfection! Make-ahead, Gluten-free, Dairy-free + Vegan option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unmatched Flavor: The combination of spices and slow-cooked beef creates a rich and savory taste that will leave you craving more.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for family dinners, festive gatherings, or casual weeknight meals—these tacos fit any occasion.
- Customizable Options: You can easily adjust the spiciness and toppings to suit your personal preferences.
- Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, making these tacos at home is a breeze.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the beef and consomé in advance for quick assembly on busy nights.
Tools and Preparation
To create the best My Fave Birria Tacos, having the right tools is essential. Below are some key items that will help you achieve taco greatness.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Blender
- Large pot
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker or Dutch oven: Ideal for slow-braising the beef until it’s tender and flavorful.
- Sharp knife: A good knife makes chopping vegetables effortless and safe.
- Blender: Necessary for creating a smooth sauce from the chilies and other ingredients.
- Large pot: Perfect for simmering the consomé and keeping everything organized.
Ingredients
For the Birria
- 4 dried guajillo peppers
- 4 dried ancho chiles
- 4 chipotle peppers in adobo
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup organic beef stock (You can sub with water)
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 Tbsps Mexican oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 3 lbs. organic chuck roast beef, chopped into medium-large chunks
For Cooking
- 1 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 4 cups organic beef stock
- 2 cups water
For Serving
- 12 organic corn tortillas
- Shredded Oaxaca cheese
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Pico de Gallo
How to Make My Fave Birria Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Chiles
Start by removing the stems and seeds from the dried guajillo and ancho chiles.
Toast them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
Soak them in hot water for 15–20 minutes until soft.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
In a blender, combine the soaked chiles, chopped onion, garlic cloves, crushed tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, bay leaves, Mexican oregano, thyme, cumin, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and allspice.
Blend until smooth. If needed, add a little bit of soaking water to help blend.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
In a large pot or slow cooker:
Heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add chopped beef chunks seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Brown on all sides.
Pour in the blended sauce along with 4 cups of beef stock and 2 cups of water. Stir well.
Step 4: Braise the Beef
Cover your pot or slow cooker:
Cook on low heat for 150 minutes (2.5 hours) until the meat is tender.
Once cooked, shred the beef using two forks.
Step 5: Assemble Tacos
Heat corn tortillas on a skillet:
Fill each tortilla with shredded beef and top with Oaxaca cheese.
Fold in half and cook until crispy on both sides.
Step 6: Serve with Consomé
Serve tacos hot alongside warm consomé made from leftover juices:
Garnish with fresh cilantro and Pico de Gallo for added flavor.
Enjoy your delicious My Fave Birria Tacos!
How to Serve My Fave Birria Tacos
Serving my Fave Birria Tacos is all about complementing their rich flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy family meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your taco experience.
With Consomé
- Serve alongside a warm bowl of the flavorful consomé made from the braising liquid. It’s perfect for dipping!
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Top with chopped cilantro and diced onions for a fresh, zesty flavor that balances the richness of the beef.
Accompanied by Salsas
- Offer various salsas like tomatillo or red salsa for a spicy kick. Each bite can be customized to taste.
On the Side of Pickled Vegetables
- Serve with pickled red onions or jalapeños for an added tang and crunch that complements the tacos beautifully.
With Lime Wedges
- Include lime wedges to squeeze fresh juice over each taco, enhancing their flavor profile with citrus brightness.
Enjoyed with Avocado Slices
- Add creamy avocado slices on the side or directly in your tacos for a delightful, rich texture that pairs well with birria.
How to Perfect My Fave Birria Tacos
To perfect my Fave Birria Tacos, follow these simple tips to ensure every bite is packed with flavor and texture.
- Choose the right cut of meat – Opt for organic chuck roast as it becomes tender while braising and absorbs all the delicious spices.
- Soak your chiles properly – Ensuring dried guajillo and ancho chiles are soaked until soft makes blending easier and enhances the sauce’s flavor.
- Don’t rush the cooking time – Allowing enough time for braising deepens flavors; aim for at least two hours on low heat.
- Use quality tortillas – Corn tortillas should be organic and fresh. This adds authenticity and improves overall taste.
- Crisp them up – Frying your assembled tacos in a bit of oil gives them that perfect crispy texture everyone loves.
- Let them rest – After assembling, let your tacos sit briefly before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for My Fave Birria Tacos
Pairing side dishes with my Fave Birria Tacos can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Mexican Rice – A fluffy, seasoned rice dish that complements the savory flavors of birria perfectly.
- Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans add richness; serve them plain or topped with cheese.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn) – Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cheese, and chili powder provides a tasty contrast.
- Guacamole – A creamy avocado dip that’s refreshing; serve it chunky or smooth according to preference.
- Chips and Salsa – Crispy tortilla chips paired with fresh salsa make for an excellent appetizer while waiting for tacos.
- Cabbage Slaw – A light slaw made from cabbage and lime juice adds crunch and acidity, balancing out the richness of tacos.
- Black Bean Salad – A refreshing salad featuring black beans, corn, tomatoes, and cilantro offers a nutritious side option.
- Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal grilled veggies provide a smoky flavor that complements birria without overpowering it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making birria tacos can be a delightful experience, but common errors can affect your results. Here are some mistakes to avoid to ensure your tacos are perfect.
- Overcooking the meat: This can result in tough beef. To avoid this, monitor the cooking time closely and ensure you braise the meat until it’s fork-tender.
- Not using enough spices: Under-seasoning leads to bland tacos. Be generous with spices like cumin and oregano for a rich flavor profile.
- Skipping the consomé: The broth adds depth to your tacos. Don’t skip this step; serve the birria with a side of consomé for dipping.
- Using low-quality tortillas: Poor tortillas can ruin the taco experience. Opt for fresh, organic corn tortillas for the best texture and flavor.
- Failing to let flavors meld: Rushing through the cooking process limits flavor development. Allow your meat to marinate and cook slowly for maximum taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover birria tacos in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing My Fave Birria Tacos
- Wrap individual tacos tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- These can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating My Fave Birria Tacos
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap tacos in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Warm each taco for about 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes My Fave Birria Tacos special?
My Fave Birria Tacos stand out due to their rich flavor from slow-braised beef, combined with melted Oaxacan cheese and served with an aromatic consomé.
Can I make My Fave Birria Tacos ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the birria filling and store it in the fridge or freezer, then assemble fresh tacos when ready to serve.
What can I serve with My Fave Birria Tacos?
Pair these delicious tacos with sides like rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad. Pico de gallo adds a refreshing touch as well!
Are there any vegan options for My Fave Birria Tacos?
Absolutely! Substitute beef with jackfruit or mushrooms, and use vegan cheese for a plant-based version of these tasty tacos.
Final Thoughts
My Fave Birria Tacos offer an incredible combination of flavors that will delight your family and friends. This recipe is versatile—feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or adjust spice levels according to your taste preferences. Don’t miss out on making these mouthwatering tacos!
My Fave Birria Tacos
Prepare to indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with My Fave Birria Tacos! These tacos are a flavor explosion, featuring tender, slow-braised beef infused with a medley of spices and melted Oaxacan cheese. Each bite is complemented by a rich consomé for dipping, creating a dining experience that’s both satisfying and unforgettable. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is versatile enough to cater to different dietary preferences, with easy make-ahead options. Enjoy taco night like never before!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 150 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 tacos 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 3 lbs organic chuck roast beef
- 4 dried guajillo peppers
- 4 dried ancho chiles
- 4 chipotle peppers in adobo
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves
- 12 organic corn tortillas
- Shredded Oaxaca cheese
- Fresh cilantro and pico de gallo for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare chiles by removing stems and seeds, then lightly toast them and soak in hot water until soft.
- Blend soaked chiles with onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, vinegar, herbs, and spices until smooth.
- In a large pot or slow cooker, brown seasoned beef chunks in olive oil. Add blended sauce, beef stock, and water; stir well.
- Cover and cook on low heat for about 150 minutes until the beef is tender. Shred the meat when cooked.
- Heat tortillas on a skillet; fill with shredded beef and cheese, fold in half, and fry until crispy.
- Serve hot with warm consomé for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
